Original subtitles

Previously on L .A. Law.

I wanted to talk to you about the other night. It shouldn't have happened.

I have a new client coming in, a movie writer -producer. And I want to solicit

her entertainment business.

I've never felt vindictive towards any of my husbands. I really want Mitchell

suffer. You want stench? Take a whiff of rosebush.

Mr.

Sullivan will be joining us as a clerk. He'll be working here afternoons after

school. How nice.

Eric went home already.

What do you mean he went home?

His father picked him up. He can't. There's...

There's a restraining order. I'm in the middle of getting married.

I know this is a hell of a time to say this, but I'm in love with you.

I love you.

Big ape.

How many bodies do we have today?

We've got three people coming in that, uh... Where's my crawler? You told me no

more. You said you were putting on weight.

When did I say that?

Yo, Grace.

How's it going?

Fine, thank you.

And the new boyfriend.

Word on the vine says he's a real animal.

Real swinging.

Regular chimp off the old block.

Where'd you spend the weekend?

San Simeon?

Your Honor, there's a message from Officer Johnson. He'll be 20 minutes

Just put it on the jungle drums as soon as you're ready. If I'd known she was in

the dark and hairy, I would have shown her my chest.

I didn't know she was in the dark and hairy. I'd have shown her my...

excuse me.

But this is a court of law, and while you may think it's all fun and games, I

doubt your clients share in your spirit of amusement.

Now, if we can get on with our work.

Ah, Gracie, I didn't mean nothing.

Who's the guy?

It doesn't matter. Like hell it doesn't. I'm in love with him.

And I'm terribly sorry that I hurt you.

That's not good enough.

You owe me more, baby. You owe me at least a chance to try to talk you out of

it. It wouldn't have worked. You owe me the chance.

You're right.

Damn it.

I want to be right, Grace.

I want to be married to you.

Kevin, that's not going to happen.

What I did to you was awful.

I'm desperately sorry.

And I understand if you can't ever forgive me.

I already have.

I may not be exciting, Grace. I don't run around in a gorilla suit.

But when this burns itself out, there's somebody here who loves you and wants

you back.

I have to go.

Goodbye, Kevin.

Mr. Penny, have you ever been on a jury before?

No.

Would it impose any undue hardship on you if this trial went more than four or

five days?

Not really. My boss is paying me.

What do you know about the circumstances around this case?

All I know is what I read in the newspapers.

And what's that?

Miss Gill was the lady on the local news. They showed her having a breast

operation, and then a while later, she was fired.

And when she was fired, did you sympathize with her at all?

I figured she'd turn up on another channel somewhere.

They all do.

Thank you.

Not exactly in my corner, is he?

We've only got three parentery challenges left.

I'm afraid we're going to have to live with them.

The defendant accepts Mr. Finney, Your Honor.

Mr. Cousin?

The plaintiff accepts Mr. Finney, Your Honor.

Mr. Albert, do you have any feelings about TV news, anchorwoman?

It's nice work if they can get it.

Sit in a chair, read off a cute card, and collect a six -figure check.

Miss Gill contends that she was... fired because the station didn't want a news

anchor woman who was perceived as damaged goods.

The defendants contend that she was fired because of low ratings.

Do you think that you could examine that issue objectively?

I don't see why not.

Thank you.

No questions, Your Honor.

Let's lose him.

We can't show cause. We're down to two preemptories.

He's already made up his mind.

The plaintiff.

Thanks and excuses, juror number five, your honor.

Your excuse, Mr. Albert.

Miss Brantley, did it bother you that during her series of news features on

breast cancer, Miss Gill bared her breast on camera?

Of course not.

It was done in the context of a medical examination.

So you knew about the series?

It was one of the best things I ever saw on television.

When she found out she had breast cancer, you really felt the shock.

And then when you saw her get a lumpectomy instead of being mutilated by

mastectomy, I didn't even know that was possible.

Thank you.

She's perfect.

I know.

That's the problem.

That's excuse, Miss Brownlee, Your Honor.

Your excuse.

Then you saw Miss Gilles series?

Yeah, I saw it.

What'd you think?

My dad died of cancer, you know.

Truthfully,

there's some things just not in good taste.

Some things I'd just as soon not bring into my living room.

Thank you, Mrs. Clifford. The plaintiff thanks and excuses juror number four,

Your Honor.

You're excused, Mrs. Clifford.

Thank you.

I don't know, Counselor. What?

Well, if that's a fair and impartial jury of my peers, we're in a lot of

trouble. I've seen lots worse.

Look, um, don't get mad, but what would happen if we tried for a settlement?

Now?

Well, they'd see it as a sign of weakness. They'd lowball us. How low?

Well, 50, maybe 75 ,000 tops.

Not a lot left over after you deduct the fees. Yeah, but that's better than

nothing, which is what we will both get if we lose.

Well, I'm betting that that won't happen.

No offense, counselor, but if you lose the bet, you still have a job.

A living off of credit cards and bank loans.

I've got a mortgage I can't pay.

I've got a daughter starting college in the fall.

You've hung on this long.

Don't quit on me now.

When I first found out I had cancer, I guess I went into shock.

I went through the surgery. I had the radiation therapy.

I was doing the series.

But it was like I was outside of myself.

You know, like it was all happening to some other person.

But now, 14 months later, it's just... I

wake up in the middle of the night sometimes in a cold sweat.

Terrified that I'm going to die.

I'm alone.

I'm broke.

I can't get a job.

I feel ugly.

You are not alone.

And believe me, Stacy, you are not ugly.

What you are is courageous, tough -minded.

Have you seen the way people stare at me? You're a celebrity. People stare at

celebrities.

Usually from the neck up.

Michael, I'm tired.

I'm tired of being stared at like I'm a freak.

Like I'm a breast that just happens to have a woman attached to it.

All right.

I'll go to them. I'll see if I can get a settlement tonight, if that's what you

want. But they breached your contract.

They fired you for reasons that had nothing to do with your confidence. They

violated your civil rights, and arguably they made it impossible for you to

continue your career.

Now, if you fold now, you're telling them that it's all right for them to

you like some sort of cow they can put the blade to whenever they decide they

don't like the taste of the milk.

Thanks a lot.

You know, that isn't utterly...

Awful analogy.

Don't let him get away with it, Stacey.

Make him pay.

In vino veritas.

Do you really think my chances are good?

I wouldn't be here if I didn't think so.

To justice.

To winning.

Mackenzie Proconcini and Cusack.

He's in court now. Can I take a message?

We're lawyers, not dentists.

Excuse me? You look like you're going in for a root canal.

I work upstairs. I'm looking for Jeffrey Sullivan.

Come on, let's take a look around.

Victor just told me he had a few calls.

Jeffrey.

Young lady here to see you.

I'm Nancy. We spoke on the phone.

All right.

Come into my office.

Oh, there's some messages.

Some classmates want my tax notes. Thanks.

I appreciate your forbearance

in moving our staff meeting to the end of the day.

As Mr. Cusack and I were toiling in our respective vineyards of courtroom law.

What's new in your slumlord case, Douglas? I do not appreciate that

characterization of my landlord -tenant dispute, Mr.

Becker. The attorney who represents himself has a fool for a client.

would not undertake my own representation.

But going up against Andrew Taylor is like shooting fish in the proverbial

barrel.

I anticipate a judgment in my favor tomorrow.

Now, as the hour is drawing late...

Let us move through the items at hand.

Arnold, Mishkin versus Mishkin. Settlement agreement awaiting signature.

Oh, and by the way, Mrs. Mishkin has assigned this firm 2 .5 % of the profits

her film in lieu of fees.

Why wasn't this arrangement discussed beforehand?

As a partner in this firm, I made a determination that it was a gamble worth

taking. Not when you're gambling other people's money.

We'll discuss this further at the partners' meeting on Friday.

Gill versus Barnett Broadcasting.

Jury selection is always complete.

What are our chances?

Well, the client is nervous, but I think it's a winner. I hope so, as we have

$60 ,000 in expenses and billable hours sunk into this case.

I am well aware of that, Douglas.

Well, keep us abreast of developments.

Petramco. Pending.

And where might our Miss Perkins be?

Stuck in traffic.

Finally, as regards messenger cards, Mr. Cifuentes.

I'd like to draw your attention to $300 worth of messengers charged against your

pending cases in the last four weeks.

What?

Wait. Can I see this?

Now, unless there's anything else, we stand adjourned.

Oh, good night.

Good morning.

Abby.

Oh, my God. I missed the staff meeting.

There wasn't much to miss.

Haven't you been getting much sleep?

No.

The minute my head hits the pillow, my brain starts to race.

I wind up watching movies on cable TV all night.

So, where do you stand?

Nowhere, basically.

Last we heard, Jim got a traffic ticket outside of Fort Worth.

Near Six Flags over Texas.

How about the car?

He sold it in Atlanta.

He told the salesman that they were headed for Florida.

Angela Cipriano's theory is that they're doing the grand tour of amusement

parks.

So we're in touch with the Florida PD and the victim's aide in Orlando.

It's a long shot.

But maybe they'll show up at Disney World.

Is there anything I can do?

I'll be all right.

It's just night.

And weekends.

Get your things.

We're going out to dinner.

No. No. You have other things to do.

Nothing as important as having dinner with you.

We'll talk. We'll have a glass of wine.

You'll stay over with me tonight.

I couldn't impose on you like that, Anna. Are you kidding?

The guest room is all made up.

It'll be like a pajama party.

Okay?

Okay.

is so stunningly inept one wants to shoot it into orbit.

Oh, wait, you'll love this part.

The galactic share of the blame must fall on the shoulders of director

Mishkin, who brings fresh meaning to the word pretension.

And that's his best reveal.

The news called it loathsome. The Times hated it. Cutting off his head isn't

going to make us any taller.

No, but it makes him a lot shorter.

You and I need to go over the proposed ad promo campaign for Rosebush again.

Is tomorrow night okay? Maybe Spago's?

Let's do Simply Blues.

Galaxy's playing at the Cinerama Dome, and if we get a window table, we can

count the box office.

Or even better, the complete and total absence of the same.

You know, Arnie, I've never met a man who understands women the way you do.

Excuse me, Arnie.

What, Roxanne?

Sorry. Mrs.

Kovacs is waiting if you're just about finished in here.

In wrapping up my testimony, I'd like to reiterate, Your Honor, that I never

intended to be a landlord.

I purchased the building in question in hopes of reselling it to a Japanese

conglomerate that had plans to tear it down and construct a hotel.

When that deal fell through, I was stuck.

So, while continuing to look for another buyer, I have allowed whatever tenants

were living there to remain.

At a very reasonable rent, I might add. In the three years since I've owned it,

I'd like to point out once again that I have never made a profit.

If I were to make the repairs demanded in this lawsuit, I would actually be

losing money on the investment.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Mr. Brackman.

Approximately how many times did Mrs. Vernon Fields make complaints to you

regarding the absence of hot water in her apartment? I have no personal

knowledge of any such complaints.

Your Honor, I'd like to have marked for identification ten letters I have here

signed by Mrs. Fields.

The management company handles any little problems the tenants might be

experiencing. How many times did the Samson family make complaints regarding

rats and cockroaches in their apartment?

If they complained, the management company handled it. Do you have any

of the floor that caved in in the Perry's apartment? Perhaps you're not

listening. A management company routinely handles such problems.

And did you empower this management company to act as your agent? In a

sense, yes. But you certainly can't try to hold me liable for my agent's alleged

gross negligence. I see.

Approximately how much have you spent in repairs to the building since you've

owned it?

Thousands. How many thousands?

Three.

$3 ,142.

You never spent any money to fix a cracked sewer line, did you? Or to

leaking roof? A rotting floor? Perhaps you didn't hear me before.

If I had effectuated said repairs, I would have been in the loss column on

investment. When was the last time you actually visited the premises?

Not lately. When exactly?

Actually, never.

I just bought it for the lot. Do you believe, as an owner of a building, you

have any responsibility to your tenants?

Would it be better if I evicted them all?

They'd never find rent this cheap. Do you believe you have a responsibility to

provide a minimally decent standard of living for your tenants?

I suppose minimally decent, yes.

But if they want something luxurious, they should have to pay for it.

Thank you.

I think I've heard enough from both sides to render my decision.

Wave closing arguments, gentlemen.

So waived, Your Honor.

Okay, so waived.

Mr. Brackman, I find you liable and hereby order you to complete work on Mr.

Taylor's list in ten days.

If you fail to do so, you will be held in contempt.

This isn't fair.

It isn't constitutional.

You're asking me to provide public housing for these people. In addition to

repairs, plaintiffs shall receive compensatory damages in the amount of

times their monthly rent and punitive damages in the sum of $25 ,000.

Hey, I appreciate it, man. Be good.

Who's that?

Tim Noah. He's from upstairs at Price, Plumeria and Blumenthal. What, they

have bathrooms up there?

Just up by to say hi, you know. Can I talk to you for a minute?

Sure.

Yes, sir.

In my office.

Who are you trying to kid?

Kid? About what?

The phone messages.

All these people, activity in and out of the bathroom.

Now, either you are leading a very weird social life, or you have the weakest

bladder in America, or you're dealing coke out of this office.

It's crazy.

It's crazy, Mr. Cifuentes. I swear to God.

Don't shoot me through the grease, kid. I was a PD too long not to know a bye

when I see it.

I swear to God. Tim Noah is a real estate attorney I'm working for on

notice. In the bathroom. It's a drag, but it pays eight bucks an hour, and I

use the dough.

Look, I didn't want to meet him out in the open because I didn't want everyone

thinking that it was coming out of company time.

Well, it's coming out of company money.

$300 worth of messengers, and you're charging them to my cases.

That's a mistake.

I told Elizabeth to send these to me. I'll straighten this out.

I like you, kid. I mean, I like your hustle.

But I'm going to give you fair warning. You quit doing business out of this

office or I'm going to close you down so fast your head will swim. You're going

to believe what you're going to believe.

But I swear to God, I don't use drugs.

I don't sell drugs. And my only hustle is working my buns off to make enough

money to make it through law school.

Look, if it wasn't for this job and doing other stuff for guys like Mr.

night, weekend, I'd never make it. And that's the truth.

And if you don't want to believe it, I can't help it.

And if you want to kill my chances here by inferring that I deal drugs, I can't

help that either.

I'm just a kid. I can't fight back.

I mean, I don't know about you, Mr. Sufuentes, but I wasn't born with a

spoon in my mouth.

I'm just trying to make something out of my life.

I swear on my father's grave.

Are you going to poison me with Mr. McKenzie?

No.

You're good enough to do that all by yourself.

You're a very cold guy, Mr. McClendon.

Thank

you.

You're late.

It's been a terrible day.

Aren't you going to wish me happy birthday?

Happy birthday. Sign these.

What are they?

Nothing.

Business. Just sign them.

It's my 41st birthday, and all you can think about is business.

Well, excuse me, but while you were having your nails jubilated, your toes

pedicured, or your tips frosted, or whatever it is females do with their

afternoons, I was working overtime trying to protect the family assets.

So if you'll just sign these where it's marked with red X's, we can move along

to matters of a more festive nature.

These papers sign all our community assets over to your mother.

Just temporarily.

Oh, sure.

Until you divorce me.

That's absurd.

Who is she?

There is no she.

You're being paranoid.

Am I?

Well... If you think you can get rid of me that easily, you have another thing

coming. I sign nothing.

Until I speak to an attorney.

Fine.

Just don't blame me if in the meantime we lose everything we own.

What are you talking about? That's why I'm late. I was in court all day.

We're being sued.

What for?

Repairs on our apartment building.

Oh, my God.

Not to worry. We'll win the appeal.

But on the distant chance that we are held accountable, I'm simply trying to

protect us.

I'm going to wind up just like Marjorie Raleigh.

Divorced and poor.

Working at Newberry's.

With those ugly support hoes and varicose veins sticking out all over my

Sheila, this is crazy.

I'm not going to divorce you.

Don't snap back like some 25 -year -old with elastic breasts.

The community property is gone. What have you got to lose?

Well, if you're so damn concerned about it, sign the papers.

No. It's a temporary measure.

If it's so temporary, then sign it over to my mother.

Your mother has the IQ of meat. I'd rather file for bankruptcy.

You are insensitive, uncaring man.

And you are a selfish, pampered, aging princess who doesn't know how to make a

man feel loved. Ha.

Sick. I was waiting for that.

Quiet. People are staring. I'm in here half an hour late with papers for me to

sign giving over all my community property to your lousy mother.

You don't even bring me a present.

And then you wonder why I don't want to go home and oil up my saddle so you can

play Sergeant Preston of the Yukon.

Sit down.

want to.

Would you tell the jury how you came to do this series of televised reports on

breast cancer?

It started at the notion of Mr. Mellor. The station manager?

Yes. He wanted me to have a mammogram.

That's like a breast x -ray.

And then to show me at the clinic giving an editorial on the importance of

regular breast examination.

But you had no idea that you yourself had cancer at this time?

No, none at all.

What happened then?

Well, I went with the crew to the clinic.

And then the next day they called me and told me that they suspected that I had

cancer.

Did you suspend your series on breast cancer at this time?

No, because Mr. Mellors thought that it would be a very powerful piece to show

me with the doctors discussing my options.

And you agreed?

Well, at first I was just in shock.

But then I thought it would do some good.

How so?

Well, you see, a lot of women are afraid to be examined because they can't face

the thought of losing a breast.

I hope that my report would show them that with early detection they didn't

to, that they could have a lumpectomy instead of a mastectomy. A lumpectomy.

that the operation that you had? Yes.

And was your operation also the subject of a new feature?

Yes. And what happened after you left the hospital?

Well, then we did a feature on my radiation treatments, and then I did a

story that showed the results.

And you exposed your breast on camera?

Yes.

Miss Gill, do you think that maybe you carried journalism a bit too far here?

No, I thought it was very important for women to see for themselves that if, God

forbid, they got cancer, that they didn't have to be maimed.

Was it worth it, Miss Gill?

I've received hundreds of letters from people thanking me, some saying that I

even saved their lives.

Yes, it was worth it.

And how did the station respond?

They said that people didn't want to watch me anymore, that I made them

uncomfortable, and they fired me.

Thank you.

Nothing further this time, Your Honor.

Mr. Robertson, cross.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Miss Gil, isn't it true that your firing had nothing to do with your breast

surgery? No.

Isn't it true that you were encouraged to come back to your job and you were

fired only because your ratings went down? No.

You knew your predecessor at the station was fired for bad ratings, didn't you?

Yes. The one before her and the one before her.

That I don't know.

Ratings.

By the bottom line in TV news, aren't they, Miss Gill?

And if job security is what you want, you probably should take a job at the

office. Objection.

Argumentative.

We'll draw the question.

Miss Gill, have you been healthy enough to work since your operation?

Absolutely. And yet, in the 14 months since then, you've chosen not to.

It was no choice.

I wasn't offered anything.

I assume because of the negative publicity surrounding my firing. You

offered anything at all? Nothing worth taking.

I know a lot of folks who wouldn't find $65 ,000 a year too terrible.

You're speaking about the radio job in Phoenix.

Well, I don't do radio.

Or floors or windows.

Objection, Your Honor.

Excuse me.

Miss Gill.

Who is Dr. Howard Warnick?

He's the surgeon that performed my lumpectomy.

And since then, you've developed quite an intimate relationship with him,

haven't you?

Objection, Your Honor.

Miss Gill's personal life has no relevance in these proceedings. Well,

directly relevant to the issue of damages if she turned down a high

because she was afraid of losing her boyfriend.

I'll allow the question.

I have been out with Dr. Warnick on several occasions.

You're 42 years old.

Is that correct, Miss Gill?

I will be 43 next month.

And isn't it true you would very much like to marry Dr. Warnick?

No. Isn't it true you were afraid if you went to Phoenix, you might lose your

chance at him?

No.

I'm sure, Miss Gill, you're aware of the Yale University study, which concluded,

among other things, that a woman over 40, even one with perfect breasts, has a

greater probability of being killed by a terrorist.

than of latching on to a husband.

Objection, Your Honor.

I had breast cancer, Mr.

Robertson.

My chances of surviving five years are good, 80%. And yet I can't help but

every day of my life whether I'm going to be a part of the 20 % that doesn't

make it.

So if you would just get your brains out of your shorts for even five minutes, I

can't believe that you really think I spend a lot of my time worrying whether

I'm going to latch on to a husband.

There's nothing further at this point.

Andrew!

How you doing, sir?

Fine, just fine.

Well, I don't have to ask how you are. I hear you pinned back Douglas' ears in

court. Well, I hope it wasn't a pyrrhic victory.

Mr. Taylor.

It's good to see you, Andrew.

Good luck.

Thank you, sir.

Douglas, look, my clients need relief now.

Drop the appeal.

We're prepared to come way down on the judgment.

How far down?

Bring the building up to code, which you're going to have to do in any case,

2 ,500 per unit in damages. Forget it.

You got no grounds for reversal, you know that.

Maybe so, maybe not.

But I can spin the wheels.

Brackman, this isn't a game.

Where's your decency? The people in that building are living a nightmare.

Mr. Taylor.

I intend to avail myself of the full appellate process.

I shall seek vindication of my rights with the State Appeals Court and, if

necessary, continue on to the Supreme Court of California.

It will likely take a long, long time, but that is the system, and I shall not

apologize for it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a busy morning.

I'm only doing this because you're a friend of Nina's.

But you gotta tell her not to come by here anymore.

Call me at my apartment from now on, okay?

Okay. Where's my talent?

Hey. Hey.

You're busted, kid.

Rob, hands above your head. You have the right to remain silent.

If you give up the right to remain silent, anything you say can and will be

against you in a court of law.

You have the right to an attorney.

If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided by the court.

Come on.

Come on, let's get him out of here. Let these people get back to work.

Mr. Fuentes.

Mr. Fuentes.

I need to know something.

Did you roll over on me?

No. Good, because I'm going to need a lawyer.

And I feel like you and I have a rapport.

I'm sorry, Jeffrey. I'm not with the public defender anymore.

Don't worry about that. Call my father, Harold Sullivan.

He's chairman and CEO of Tiger Sports Industries. Oh, and you weren't born

a silver spoon in your mouth, huh? No, actually more like platinum. He'll

arrange bail and pay whatever you charge.

I'm sorry, sir. I appreciate everything you've done for me.

I'm sure my father will be in touch to express his appreciation personally.

I want you to know this charge is totally without merit.

I don't use drugs. I don't sell drugs. I don't even know what cocaine looks

like.

Don't say it.

I've got something for you to sign.

What is it? It's a letter from you to the dean of admissions at the Loyola

School of Law.

On whose behalf?

Mine.

I hope I've mentioned your uncanny skill at judging, Karen.

Along with intelligence and loyalty and diligence.

Mm -hmm.

Does this mean I'm losing you, Iris?

Night school.

Ah.

But who knows after I pass the bar?

I'd hope you'd consider an associate position with Mackenzie Brackman.

I'd be delighted to, Leland.

I think they're waiting for you at the partners' meeting.

Yeah.

And upon signing the partnership agreement...

You become 5 % owners of the law firm of McKenzie, Brackman, Cheney, and Kuzak.

Set share to increase 5 % every year until it matches that of the other

partners. All we need from each of you is a check for $87 ,000.

What? Well, I assume, Douglas, that you'll provide low -cost in -house

financing, right?

In the past, we have.

But consequent to Norman Chaney's passing, we need an infusion of working

capital. So we're going to ask you to arrange your financing elsewhere.

Douglas, how the hell am I supposed to secure a note for $87 ,000?

Your financial problems are not my concern, Miss Kelsey. However,

this firm's very real financial problems are.

Based on the bottom line, Douglas, I don't think we need to hold a...

benefit for ourselves.

On the contrary, if we have any intentions of showing meaningful profits

the remainder of the decade, we must A, resist the impulse to make a partner of

everyone who rattles their saber. B, take on at least four new associates

away. And C, generate among our current lawyers a minimum of 5 ,000 more

billable hours per annum than they're producing now. Which brings me to

something else I find troubling.

I've taken the liberty of doing some personal accounting.

Here is a list of everyone's billable hours for the year.

You will note that with one exception, all the partners, including our new

billed in the 1 ,500 to 2 ,000 -hour range.

The one exception was our founding partner, who accounted for just over

That's less than one revenue -generating hour a day.

You too, Douglas.

What's on your mind?

It seems to me that someone who works part -time should not have a full share,

much less 8 % more than the rest of us. If all that mattered were the number of

hours that you put in, the world would be run by waitresses.

It's the quality of the hours that matters.

If he can settle a labor strike in 45 minutes or bring in a major corporate

account over a breakfast meeting or help me win a case by giving me one piece of

advice, then how do you measure that?

Under the most generous of formulas, he is still receiving far more than he is

entitled to.

As things stand now, our two most senior partners will receive 50 % of this

year's profits. One is dead.

The other might as well be.

You are out of line, Douglas.

That's all right.

Frank exchanges are what partners' meetings are for.

In the spirit of which, let me say that I would be happy to fold my tent and

walk away from this firm.

taking my primary assets, my name, and my reputation with me.

You may have the firm, Douglas, and any of the attorneys and clients who choose

to remain.

Leland goes?

I'll go with him. Me too.

Assuming that you want me.

Ditto. Will this new firm do entertainment law?

I've been giving that serious thought, Arnold.

And I think it's time to dip a cautious toe in those waters.

The bottom line, Douglas, is you are not your father.

You are not the deep thinker he was, nor do you possess his courtroom skills,

evidenced by your bungling of that disgraceful landlord -tenant suit.

However, you are an adequate corporate attorney, a solid office manager, and

have absolutely reached your level of competence.

And if you raise this question ever again... I will disband this firm in two

seconds flat, and you can start your own firm. Now, are we clear on that point?

Yes.

Good.

Now that we've had a frank change of idea, this meeting is adjourned.

Dinner partner?

After that meeting, who can afford to eat?

My treat.

Stuart, do you know what my net worth is?

Come on, there's not enough numbers in that calculator to compute your net

worth.

Seriously, I am a single woman with virtually no deductions other than my

for which I am mortgaged up to my armpits.

What bank is going to carry my note for $87 ,000?

The Bank of Markowitz.

Absolutely not.

Why not?

It's a loan.

You'll sign a note. I'll charge you interest.

On top of which, if you miss a payment, I get to foreclose on your assets.

Which is exactly why I shouldn't.

Ann, come on, get serious.

What choice do you have?

What did I do before you came into my life, Markowitz?

Whatever it was, I don't want to know about it.

Take my wallet. I won't fight. Shut up. Shut up.

I have a wife and children.

Don't kill me.

Shut up.

Where are we?

Don't you recognize it, Brackman? This is your building.

Taylor.

You bastard.

I'll have you disbarred for this.

Come to that, I'm going to have to live with it. You can't deny people their

rights and expect to get away with it.

You do.

I'll have you on criminal assault, kidnapping.

You are going to jail, my friend. Maybe so, but before I do, you're going to see

a jail of another kind.

Wiring gave out of here months ago. There's no light.

During the day, it's a shooting gallery, and at night, the bombs do.

A month ago, a 68 -year -old woman was raped and killed in here.

There's no lock on the door.

Management company. This is your building.

Your responsibility.

This is the only bathroom on the second floor.

Tenants don't use it.

Plumbing's backed up, and there's a missing door.

Of course, that don't stop the junkies who come in off the street from using

Rats. They own the place.

It ain't Perrier, Doug.

Yeah, who is... It's me, Miss Fields, Andrew Taylor.

Can I get in?

Go on in.

You okay?

This is the gentleman I told you about.

Good morning, Debra.

The baby gets cold at night, so she has to run her stove for heat.

Two weeks ago, Miss Fields had to take her little boy to the hospital.

Rat bites.

While they're at the hospital, her nine -year -old girl got gang -raped.

There's no lock on her door either.

Oh, God.

I didn't know.

You didn't care.

I'm so sorry.

I'm so sorry.

What can I do?

Just put your money where your mouth is.

Anything.

I'll do whatever it takes.

It took six units almost two hours to finally knock down the blaze, which

started in a Maccas factory in the 4400 block of Burnside Avenue.

And finally, The Stacey Gill trial began today.

Miss Gill, the former Channel 6 news anchor who was fired last year, is suing

Barnett Broadcasting for breach of contract and sex discrimination,

that a series of features she did on her breast cancer surgery and post

-operative treatment led to her dismissal, and not, as Barnett

maintains, low ratings.

And now for the weather report. Stan?

You want to mess around?

I thought you had homework to do.

We're in recess till Monday.

Oh.

Oh.

I'm sorry. I don't feel like it.

What do you feel like?

Maybe I should go.

Are we having a fight?

No. No, no, no.

It's, uh... It's my problem.

Is it something you want to talk about?

I hurt this man.

And he didn't do anything to deserve it.

There was no excuse for what I did. None.

You want to go back to him?

No.

So, you can't be happy with him.

And you won't let yourself be happy with me.

It's, uh... It's just going to take a little time. That's all.

And a quart of Rocky Road ice cream.

I'll get it.

And a hug.

We can wait on the ice cream.

Yeah.

Yeah.